Trump Signals Possible Meeting With Venezuelan Opposition Leader as U.S. Focuses on Oil and Post-Maduro Transition

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is expected to travel to Washington next week, raising questions about the future of U.S.-Venezuela relations following recent military and political developments in the South American country. Trump made the remarks during an interview on Fox News’ “Hannity,” where he was asked whether he planned to meet Machado after U.S. strikes in Venezuela led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

“Well, I understand she’s coming in next week sometime, and I look forward to saying hello to her,” Trump said, stopping short of confirming a formal meeting. The White House did not immediately provide further details when asked for clarification.

If the meeting takes place, it would mark Trump’s first direct interaction with Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition figure. Earlier this week, Machado stated that she had not spoken with Trump since receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in October, highlighting the limited direct communication between the two leaders. The comments also come despite Trump’s recent skepticism about Machado’s political standing within Venezuela, saying over the weekend that she lacked sufficient support and respect inside the country.

The political future of Venezuela remains uncertain after the fall of Maduro. Trump said that rebuilding the country would take time and emphasized that elections are not feasible in the near term. Venezuela is currently led by interim acting President Delcy Rodriguez, and Trump argued that the nation must first stabilize before democratic processes can resume.

Venezuela’s vast oil reserves are a central focus of the Trump administration’s strategy. As a major OPEC member and one of the world’s largest oil producers, Venezuela is poised to resume oil exports to the United States. A senior U.S. official told Reuters that oil sales will begin immediately, with an initial shipment estimated at 30 to 50 million barrels and plans for continued exports.

Trump also announced plans to meet with oil executives at the White House, stating that U.S. oil companies will play a critical role in rebuilding Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. He claimed these companies could invest at least $100 billion, underscoring the strategic and economic importance of Venezuela’s energy sector in shaping its post-crisis recovery.